Cleaning the Bicycle Wheels and Rear
Cassette/FreewheelAfter cleaning the chain, I then move to
the back of the bike to clean the rear wheel and rear
cassette/freewheel. This does require that you remove the wheel. And you
want to perform this step AFTER cleaning the chain
because dirt and grime from cleaning the chain
will make its way down to the
cassette/freewheel. NOTE: With the exception of the rear
cassette/freewheel, you will perform the same
steps on the front wheel as well. If your
cassette/freewheel was gunked up with dirt, the shifting may be off just a bit
once it is clean. Therefore,
after completing the bike clean-up, practice shifting the gears and
adjust if necessary.

1) After cleaning the chain, I then move to the back
of the bike and begin cleaning the wheel and cassette/freewheel.
To do this, it is best to remove the rear wheel. And you find it
much easier to remove if you remove the chain from the chain
ring. First make sure the chain is shifted down to the small
ring of the front crank system. Then take your index finger
wrapped with a cloth (photo 1)
and start at the bottom of the chain ring. Place your finger
between the chain and chain ring, pulling down on the chain just
a bit so the chain is about a half inch off the ring. . Then,
run your finger along the chain, while slowly guiding the chain
to the inside (photo 2). Then
drop the chain to the inside of the chain ring, resting it on
the bottom bracket tube (photo 3). This wil release the tension
of the chain and allow you to pop off the back wheel. 2) Fill you plastic container with some degreaser (photo 4). Grab your toothbrush, your container, your rear wheel and
an old t-shirt or rag to lay accross your lap. Find a
comfortable place to sit and get ready to clean that wheel! (photo
5)3) Once the rear wheel is
removed, remove the skewer. (photo 6). It is fairly simple. Just
unscrew one end. Once removed, loot at the springs to see if
there is a build up of dirt/grime. If there is, drop them in
your container filled with degreaser to soak while you clean. If
the springs are clean, then reattach the skewer so you do not
loose any of the parts and put it off to the side (photo 7).4) As mentioned in step 2, lay a cloth or old t-shirt
across your lap to keep the grease and grime from getting all
over you. Dip your toothbrush into the container and begin
scrubbing away at the cogs of the cassette. Make sure to get in
between the teeth. Be liberal by keeping the brush wet and clean
(photo 8). 5) Once you have given the cassette a good cleaning with
the toothbrush, take a rag and make a fold pulling tight enough
to slip the fold in between each cog (photo 9). Now, the cassette will only
move in one direction. So, once the rag is between the cogs,
turn the cassette with the rag then drag the folded cloth
backwards cleaning a small portion of the gap. Continue the back
and forth motion (similar to a ratchet wrench) until you
complete the circumference. Then drop down to the next gap. Do
this until you have cleaned between all the cogs. Repeat this
step by folding the cloth in a new spot, apply some grease
directly on the fold and run through each gap again. This will
pick up any loose dirt and grime (photo 10)6) After cleaning the cassette, take the rag adn
wipe down the hub (photo 11)7) Clean the spoke nipples. Dip the toothbrush into
your container of degreaser and scrub the spoke nipples. The
spoke nipples are usually neglected and shouldn't be. If ever
you have a loose spoke, it is important to be able to tighten
it. If your spoke nipple is rusted or oxidized, you will not be
able to adjust it. After cleaning the spoke nipples, wipe down
the hubs and spokes (photo 12).8) Finally, shoot a little Teflon spray in the shoot of
the hub before putting skewer back on the wheel (photo 13).